This weekend, we enjoyed the second wind of summer in October with some salsa music and a booze at Weeds Orchards in Marlboro, NY. Ironically, the foliage was turning, the heat felt right and was a whole vibe.
The Hudson Valley never disappoints during the harvest season. Scenic drive through the country roads. Random stop for fresh apple pie. The smell of apple cider donuts. Walking through the orchards to fill a bag with apples or picking the perfect pumpkin. There is something for everyone, especially the moms that want the perfect family photo.
Visiting orchards was and still is a family tradition. Weed Orchards is a personal favorite. It’s not just apples or wine – it’s music. Every year, they choose a salsa band that instantly turns the field into a dance floor. Locals and visitors claim picnic tables and lawn chairs, while others spread themselves out on a blanket to enjoy the rhythm and the views.
Salsa Music & Dancing:
Live Music: Every weekend a band plays 1-4pm.
Cuboricua is a local favorite in both the summer and fall, so need to wait for the harvest season next year.
The Winery:
They have plenty of selections to choose from, dry wine to sweet wine (glass or bottle) to seasonal sangria mixers, and beer. Enjoy a sip and stroll.
Apple Picking:
You do have to purchase a bag upon entry. From there you can take a take a hayride to start the picking or rent a wagon for a walk with the fam. There are plenty of pumpkins to pick from at the entrance and it’s the perfect spot snap photos with the little ones or the fur babies. Yes, they welcome fur babies.
Apple Cider Donuts
Yes, they’re warm & fresh.
Don’t just stop at the donuts, they also have apple pie, ice cream, jams and syrups to take home.
The cafe plenty to pick from including Lobster Rolls to chicken fingers for the picky eaters.
Las Villas, Plattekill, NY
As I watched the crowd dance and others sway shyly to the music, I thought of Las Villas in Plattekill NY.
The Boricua and Latinx sanctuaries in the summer months from the 1950’s to 1980’s. Back then, families travelled from the city for fresh air and a reminder of the island or home countries. Bands like El Grambo de Puerto Rico and musician legends like Tito Puente played loud and proud. No apologies or noise complaints. Weeds Orchards may not be a part of this history, but I appreciate events like this that help preserve the tradition and spirit of Las Villas.
Tips:
- Arrive early for events to avoid the lines at entry and to grab a spot near the band.
- Buy a bottle of wine for the group to save time and avoid more lines
- Bring law chairs or blankets
- Take lots of photos
Local Gem to check out before leaving the Hudson Valley:
Noches de Columbia for dinner (Newburgh)
Noches de Columbia (Newburgh)– if you’re heading towards I-84 keep the vibe going and stop by (if you’re not full of apple cider donuts). You sit and refuel with the family or order to-go for the ride home.
3 responses to “Salsa Music and Apple Picking at Weeds Orchards”
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